Mrs. Betty J. Oakes, 81, of Raymondville

Raymondville - Mrs. Betty J. Oakes, 81, passed away peacefully Thursday July 3, 2013 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love and support of her family and hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop.

Betty was born in Potsdam on June 9, 1932, daughter of the late Simeon and Elsie (Martin) Arquitte. She was raised and educated locally, attending the one room Norwood-Norfolk school house.

Betty was married on October 24, 1950 to Gordon C. Oakes. They shared a devoted union until the time of Gordon’s passing on January 7, 1978.

Betty was a homemaker all her life. Being present to her children and family was her top priority and she fulfilled this with much grace. Betty was blessed with a special companion and friendship when she met Lloyd Shanty. Together they raised their family and shared a relationship filled with kindness, hard work, fun, and love.

Whether traveling to bingo downstate or out of state, Betty just loved to travel. She had a fearless attitude and was always up for an adventure. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joys of her life and she would never pass up an opportunity to cuddle them. In her leisure time Betty enjoyed her puzzle books.

Betty is survived by her life companion of 34 years, Lloyd; her children, Rita Conklin of Rowland, PA., Ronald Oakes and his companion Charlotte Taylor of Brasher Falls, Carl and Loretta Oakes of Massena, Barbara and Leroy Conklin of Chester, Robert and Maria Oakes of Norfolk, and Gordon and Donna Oakes Jr. of Massena; 28 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Caroline and Howard Fisher of Wurtsboro, Winnie and Ernie Butterfield of Winthrop, and Helen and Delbert Fisher of West Haverstraw; three brothers, Lloyd and Doris Arquitte of Walden, Lyle and Theresa Arquitte of Moira, and Wayne Arquitte of Raymondville, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Always close to her heart is the memory of those who predeceased her: daughter and son-in-law Pamela and Mike Conklin; son Thomas “Tommy” Oakes; son-in-law Edwin Conklin; grandson Carl Oakes II and brother Larry Arquitte.

Visitation will be Monday from 2-4 and 6-8. Betty’s funeral and remembrance service will be Tuesday at 10 am at the funeral home with Funeral Celebrant, Julia Goodman officiating. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery.

For those wishing to express an act of kindness, memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s honor to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.